Week 19: Adventures of the 40 day fast

Alo!

Zach had a lot of fun on his p-day today. He was actually able to go climb a volcano. It exploded, and now he is coming home! Just kidding. But he really did climb a real, live, Chilean volcano. Which is freaking cool. Im jealous of all these cool adventures he's having. No volcanoes here in Utah (which I guess I should be thankful for). The name of the volcano is Lonquimay so if you want you can google that right on up!

Good news! Rosemary is getting baptized this Saturday. Now before you go back in blog posts to try and remember who Rosmary was, this is the little old lady who had a baptism date set, then went gambling the night before that set date (I thought it was kind of funny in a cute, old grandma kind of way if you recall). So she committed to stop gambling and actually put that money towards paying tithes, so that is a pretty large accomplishment if you ask me. Zach also was able to contact an undercover cop, which he thought was cooler than anything in the world. He was really excited about it, especially because most Chileans think that the missionaries are with the CSI or the MIB (men in black). Now that would be a good "I'm a Mormon" commercial. "Im in the Men in Black and I am Mormon." Off topic.

Elder Van Pelt and one of his roommates were talking one night about a 40 day fast. When the elder brought it up, Zach said immediately that "he would die" if he tried to fast for 40 days. In response the elder gave details into this 40 day fast (and no it is not a Jenny Craig diet). It is when you start your first day with a fast (2 meals) and pick 5 things you want to change about yourself.  The next 39 days, you work on changing those 5 things and becoming a better person. Whether it isn't doing something, or actually making an effort to do something, you work your hardest for those 39 days and you have a fast to kick it off. Pray every morning and night and go over your list in your prayers. A pretty cool concept!

Zach concluded his letter with saying life is great. He loves Chile and says God truly is working miracles through him. Improve every day just by changing a little here and there. That is how we come more like Jesus Christ is taking it a day at a time and doing our best and smiling through everything.

Anyways, until next week!

Hasta luego!

PS. Thanks to everyone who sent a letter to Zach for his Christmas box. It turned out great! He will love it. Appreciate all of you!